Lana Del Rey recorded a track for the film Spectre, Daniel Craig's fourth outing as Bond, but her song '24' was turned down by the 007 producers for that film. Sam Smith's theme was selected for Spectre instead of Lana Del Rey's, though the specific reasons for her rejection have not been disclosed. Many musicians have recorded James Bond theme songs which never saw the light of day, a historical context that underscores the competitive nature of these selections.
David Arnold, who composed music for the Bond films Tomorrow Never Dies and Casino Royale, brings his credentials to this collaboration, lending authenticity to the project. IO Interactive is the developer of the game 007: First Light, with the studio previously known for developing the Hitman games. According to a press release, IO Interactive's boss Hakan Abrak described the collaboration as a joy, noting that it feels instantly 'Bond' while bringing a fresh identity.
It's a joy to watch two extraordinary talents like Lana Del Rey and David Arnold combine forces, the result feels instantly 'Bond' while still bringing a fresh identity for 007: First Light.
The game 007: First Light is due to launch on 27 May and will be available for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Patrick Gibson plays Bond in the game, with the cast including Lenny Kravitz, Alastair Mackenzie, and Kiera Lester. The game will tell an original origin story for 007, though specific gameplay details or plot elements of this narrative remain unclear.
The Nintendo Switch 2 version of 007: First Light has been delayed until later this year, with the exact release date for that platform yet to be announced. According to a press release, David Arnold emphasized the importance of Bond music in setting the tone and expressed excitement about working with Lana Del Rey to open the world of Bond to a new audience. Commercial or critical reception expectations for the game upon its release are unknown, and it is not confirmed whether other musicians besides Lana Del Rey have recorded unreleased Bond themes.
Bond's return to gaming is a landmark moment for us at IO Interactive, and having a title song of this quality makes it even more special.
The music of James Bond has always been a huge part of its identity. A title song has to tell us about the world we are about to enter into. It has to intrigue, excite, and beckon us in. This song joins a long line of genre defining songs, each one creating a benchmark of style that adds to the magnificent heritage that is 'The Bond Song'.
That's why I was so excited to work with Lana, an artist who brought elegance, atmosphere, and her totally unique character to this piece, which I hope will open the world of Bond to a whole new audience.